2. How do I defend my faith ?
Definition of terms:
The term “faith” has numerous connotations and is
used in different ways, often depending on context.
Faith - is used of belief with the predominate idea of
trust (or confidence) whether in God or in religion,
springing from faith in the same. ‘Faith’ means trust,
confidence, assurance, and belief”
3. Definition of terms continued
Defend – is the act of arguing to protect something
from an attack.
Defend – protect against a challenge or attack; guard;
hold; fight against or resist strongly
4. Question Interpretation
The question requires us to demonstrate how we can
protect our religious beliefs, values, teachings,
standing orders and rituals from attack.
One is suppose to know the ways of defending faith
and the situations under which faith must be
protected.
5. Internal sources of threats
1. Friends
2. Elders who are biased towards a wrong belief
3. Misinterpreted teachings
4. A group of people
6. External sources of threat
1. Relatives
2. Parents who are not in Guta Ra Mwari
3. Schoolmates
4. Workmates
5. Neighbours
It might be an atheist trying to enlighten you about the
foolishness of belief in God or GRM. What should we
do in response to these situations?
7. What can be defended in GRM
In a culture where God’s Word is constantly under
attack from those both inside and outside of the
religion, we must always be ready to give a defence for
the hope that is in us.
The only way to do this effectively is to study the
reasons why we believe what we believe. This will
prepare us to "demolish arguments and every
pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of
God, and take captive every thought to make it
obedient
8. Ways of defending our faith
Be a righteous example. You must not be in
camouflage as to who you are and what you believe.
We need to be the best examples we can possibly be.
Collectively, our example will be more important than
what any single member or leader proposes.
9. Ways of defending our faith (Cont)
Be civil in your discourse. We live in a world where
there is much turmoil. Our faith requires that we treat
our neighbors with respect.
10. Ways of defending our faith (Cont)
Be an advocate for religious morality and
continuity.
11. Ways of defending our faith
One of the reasons the attack on the moral or religious
principles has been so successful is the reluctance of
people of faith to express their views.
GRM is my life’s work, and my life’s end.
Change of tone - Hopefully, this recognition calls
both of you to act in true charity: to discuss your
differences openly, but in a spirit of authentic love. Not
only will setting this tone make the whole conversation
more bearable, but it’s a critical first step.
12. Ways of defending our faith (Cont)
2. Prepare, Pray, and Relax - I frequently hear
children of God saying that they just don’t feel ready
to get into these conversations. They’re afraid of
getting overwhelmed by their atheist friend’s
knowledge of science, and are afraid that their own
ignorance will make the religion look bad.
13. Ways of defending (Cont)
Understanding the teachings - We should be
serious about learning our faith, including knowing
GRM teachings, standing orders, values, and teachings
so that when confronted, we can give a defence.
14. Ways of defending (Cont)
Keep the Big Guns Ready.
There’s simply no way to prepare for every possible
topic that could come up in the course of these sorts of
conversation.
Expect the worst – this helps you to be comfortable in
handling arguments from colleagues.
15. Ways of defending (Cont)
4. Control the Terrain - One major reason that I
think children of God feel outgunned when dealing
with atheists is because they don’t control the
apologetic terrain very well. we’re just letting the
atheist choose the arguments that they think are the
best proofs against the religion, without giving us a
chance to raise the best arguments for them.
16. Other ways of defending our faith
Justify our values and beliefs – usually fused by
stereotypes
Avoid emotions
